2023 Fall Orientation

All GMS programs have Orientation on September 1 with classes starting September 5, unless otherwise specified.

Program-specific orientations will be held according to the schedule below. These orientations may be either in-person or virtual. Please check with your program for details.

A BU-wide Resource Fair will take place on orientation day to introduce you to the many services and student groups here in GMS, the Medical Campus, as well as the Charles River Campus.

The following is the schedule of all Orientation sessions and activities.

Main GMS Orientation Session

Additional Sessions & Activities

Program-Specific Orientation Sessions

ALL STUDENTS are required to complete the following by September 30, 2023: 

All orientation required documents and trainings are located on Blackboard (with the exception of the Mandatory Student Training on Sexual Misconduct). Please see below for an overview of requirements.

NOTE: You will need your BUID to complete the following orientation required documents and trainings. To find your BUID, refer to the “Boston University Admission Decision” offer letter that you received via email OR download your CAS application and look for the eight character field starting with the alphabet “U” with the label “Alternate Id:”

• Academic Conduct Code and Disciplinary Procedures
• Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education
• Fuller Gym Release Form
• Identifying and Avoiding Plagiarism Training
• Intellectual Property Agreement
• Mandatory Student Training on Sexual Misconduct
  • You will receive a direct link to the training in emails from automated-message@everfi.net
    • Starting in mid-September, you can go to the StudentLink compliance page to find a link to your training
• Microaggressions Training
• Photo Release Form

DOCTORAL STUDENTS should complete the following before orientation:

• 1. Please register online for an ORCID ID, unless you already have one.
  2. US Citizens:
     • Complete the first section of the electronic Form I-9 before orientation to make arrangements for stipend payment.
     • Bring acceptable documentation  for completion of second section of Form I-9.  Section 2 will be completed with BU administration after arrival.
  3. International Students:
     • International students must follow the rules and procedures for employment established by Boston University, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and their sponsoring agencies.
     • International students are encouraged to seek additional assistance from the International Students and Scholars Office.
     • Note that International students MUST contact the International Student and Scholars Office prior to filling out of Form I-9.

RESEARCH AND/OR CLINICAL PROGRAMS:

Students complete the following trainings as dictated by their program. Confirm with your director/administrator if you are unsure if you need to complete these documents.

2. Lab Safety Training -(if applicable)
3. Radiation Training-(if applicable)
4. RCR Training – (if applicable)

Student ID Card

All students must obtain a BU student identification card (ID). To obtain your ID, please follow the instructions that will be sent over email from GMS Student Affairs (gmssa@bu.edu).

Semester MBTA Pass

Please visit the TransComm website for additional information.  The deadline for the MBTA Student Semester Pass is August 10.

Check out the BU International Graduate Student Guide here.

Please see the ISSO webpage for more information.

All students must complete BU First Class, ISSO’s online pre-arrival orientation course once they arrive in Boston.

Additionally, all students beginning new programs in Fall 2022 must complete the Initial ISSO Check-In remotely through Student Link after they arrive in the U.S. 

Should you have any problems or questions regarding your visa status, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office at 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2^nd floor, (617-353-3565 or isso@bu.edu).  You will not be allowed to register for classes until the International Students and Scholars Office has cleared you for admission.

Questions? Email gmssa@bu.edu to connect with the Student Affairs Office.